Category Archives: Highlands Calendar

A Highlands Real Estate Agent’s Hybrid Kind of Relationship

11-25-real estate agentThe relationship between you and your Highlands real estate agent is unlike most working relationships people establish—and understanding why the difference is important can be useful when you go to buy or sell a Highlands property.

For openers, working with a Highlands real estate agent is a hybrid kind of situation. Although you do ‘hire’ your agent—and that agent is “working for you”—there is also an element of partnership involved. This is no mere technical abstraction.

If you have ever run any kind of business, you know the difference between having an employee and having a partner. A good employee performs the tasks assigned, is compensated in accordance with that performance, and goes home at the end of the day to enjoy the fruits of their labor. A partner, on the other hand, does everything that an employee does, but a lot more, too. For one thing, a partner usually has ‘skin in the game’—has accepted some of the risk that every private enterprise involves. As compensation, a partner looks forward to a share of the profits should the business succeed. Although an employee may be paid on a commission basis, there is a difference: unlike most partners, an employee is subject to no investment expense or downside risk.

Naturally, adding an ownership element makes a difference in performance—in going the extra mile. That distinction is ruefully captured in the timeworn observation that if you see someone bending over to pick up a gum wrapper in front of a shop, you’re looking at the owner!

Your Highlands real estate agent has a similar motivation. If you are selling your home, you certainly have a lot of skin in the game! It’s your property that’s up for sale, and your investment in it is major. Your agent will be co-venturing in the sale—not only contributing the time and effort that’s required, but also accepting the risk of your mutual sales enterprise. When you think about it, you stand to benefit from the significant ongoing cost of operating a busy real estate office, developing and distributing marketing materials, advertising your home, and putting in as many hours of work as it takes to complete the sale. It’s your ‘partner’ (the agent and the agent’s broker) who will bear those expenses.

If you are going to buy a home, the relationship is similar. Whether in the office or out on the road, your Highlands real estate agent will absorb the cost incurred in helping you seek your next home. If a sale doesn’t come to pass for any reason, your ‘partner’ agent accepts the risk that there won’t be a payday at all. It’s a powerful motivation to work hard on your behalf.

The unique nature of the relationship you step into when you team with a real estate agent in Highlands is one that’s developed over centuries. For your agent, in addition to the degree of independence that’s built in, there’s one extra benefit that has a value beyond money. At the end of the day, it’s the reward of seeing a client’s family moving into their new home, or be handed the buyer’s check at the final closing. Feeling the glow of having helped make that kind of major difference is truly priceless!

Celebrate the Fourth of July in the Cashiers, NC Area

Are you still searching for that perfect Fourth of July event to take your family to this year?

Consider celebrating your independence with us here in the North Carolina mountains!

As evident by all of the events going on this Fourth of July, our residents are certainly full of pride for our country!

Here’s a look at some of the fun events going on this holiday weekend:

Live Concert: Come enjoy Hendersonville’s Music on Main series this Friday, July 1 at the Visitors Information Center.  The four-piece band Sound Investment will be playing your favorite 1960s and 1970s tunes.

  • When: 7 to 9 p.m.
  • Where: Visitors Information Center, 201 S. Main Street
  • Admission: FREE
  • More Info: Visit www.historichendersonville.org

Cashiers Mountain Music Festival: Now in its third year, this annual music  festival has grown quite a following!  Come enjoy such  acts as The Steep Canyon Rangers and Earl Scruggs.  Balsam Range will headline on Saturday and Doc Watson will perform on Sunday.

  • When: July 2 through 3
  • Where: The Village Common Areas in Cashiers, NC
  • Admission: $25 online and $30 the day of; Children under 12 get in free
  • More Info: Visit cashiersnorthcarolina.com/cmmf

Pops Concert: The Transylvania Symphonic Band will perform during the Pendergast Family Patriot Pots event in Brevard this Independence Day. The Brevard Community Band will also be featured at this family-friendly event.

  • When: 2 p.m. on  July 3
  • Where: Whittington-Pfohl Auditorium
  • Admission: $15 to $35
  • More Info: Visit www.brevardmusic.org

In addition, the following communities are expected to have fireworks shows on either July 3 or 4.  Visit individual community websites for more details:

Entering the Cashiers, NC Area Real Estate Market

As you can see, we here in the Cashiers, NC area enjoy community events and a family-oriented atmosphere year-round.

If the Cashiers, NC area sounds like the kind of place you would like to call home, then contact me, Dorothy Swearingen.

As your Cashiers, NC area real estate expert, I’d be happy to answer any questions you might have about living in the North Carolina mountains.

I’d also be happy to provide you with all of my helpful Cashiers NC area home buying resources. These include:

Until next time,

Dorothy

 

 

 

Fun Things to do in Highlands NC Area This Month

When people think of the North Carolina mountains, perhaps one of the most vivid images that come to mind is the brilliant fall foliage and the beautiful blooms in springtime.

What many people might not be aware of, however, is all of the incredible events that go on all summer long in the Highlands, NC area.

From festivals to 5Ks, there’s always something fun and exciting going on.

Relocating to the Highlands, Lake Toxaway, and Cashiers Area

Here’s a sampling of some of the amazing activities that you and your family could be enjoying this month if you were living in the Highlands, NC area.

Group Hiking: The Nantahala Hiking Club regularly hosts group hikes.  Contact this Franklin-Highlands area club to find out when the next hiking excursion will be.

  • When: Various days throughout summer
  • Where: Throughout the Highlands, NC area
  • Admission: FREE
  • More Info: Call 369-6820 or visit www.nantahalahikingclub.org.

State Parks Visit: Some state parks, including the Gorges State Park, is free to the public.  This Transylvania County Park features trails, waterfalls, picnic areas and campsites.  It’s quite popular among the locals in the Highlands, NC area.

  • When: Anytime during park hours
  • Where: Transylvania County
  • Admission: FREE
  • More Info: Call 966-9099.

Highlands Area Triathlon: During this triathlon – which features individual and relay team options – you’ll participate in a 250-yard swim, 9 mile cycle and 5K run.  Those interested can register at www.setupevents.com.

  • When: 8 a.m. on June 25
  • Where: Valdese Aquatic Center
  • Admission: Prices vary
  • More Info: Visit www.setupevents.com

Brevard Rotary Firecracker 5K/10K: The 16th annual 5K and 10K races will take place in downtown Brevard and is a great way to get to know your neighbors!

  • When: 8 a.m. on July 4
  • Where: Downtown Brevard, 299 S. Broad St.
  • Admission: Entry fee is $25 for the 5K and $30 for the 10K ($5 more after June 26), $20 for students 18 and younger and seniors age 65 and older.
  • More Info: Visit www.BrevardRotary.org.

Investing in Highlands, NC Area Real Estate

As you can see, there’s always something fun, new and exciting going on in the Highlands, NC area.

If you’ve been thinking about making the Highlands, NC area your permanent home, then contact me, Dorothy Swearingen, your Highlands, NC real estate expert.

I’ll answer any questions you might have about living here, let you know about available listings in the area, as well as provide you with a number of invaluable Highlands area home buyer resources.

These helpful tools include:

Until next time,

Dorothy